Tel-Chai Nation

One Jerusalem points out that recently:

...may become the start of a new phase in opposition to Israel's unilateral pull-out from Gaza and the security debate in general. Finance Minister Netanyauhu, told Israel Army Radio that he opposes any Israeli withdrawal that does not require the Palestinians to reciprocate in substantive ways. He also came out against turning over the strategic Philadelphia corridor to Egypt. This sentiment was echoed by one of Israel's most prominent left-wing journalist who said that Egypt's security lapse over the weekend is proof that Egypt is not up to the task of policing any sensitive areas.

Now is this good news? Good question. It would certainly be a good idea, given how Sharon may be willing to divide Jerusalem, and certainly seems to be trying to do so already, by putting a stone wall through the city. As pointed out in this entry here:

Unlike the terrorists who usually broadcast what they are going to do, Sharon's policy generally is contrary to his announcements. Recently, he has been making declarations about keeping a united Jerusalem and some settlements. Then he is silent as Peres announces that Jerusalem must be divided. You can bet that the odds are better than 50/50 that Jerusalem will be divided by a Sharon government. How else can you explain the Sharon government's decision not to back Senator Brownback's legislation to declare Jerusalem the undivided capital of Israel?

Sharon's refusal to back the senator's efforts is an insult to a friend of Israel who is trying to help strengthen its legitimacy, and if that's how he's going to do things, then that's one more reason why he cannot lead anymore.

Labels: Israel